This was a fun, quick read which was exactly what I needed after reading some action-packed thrillers. The author delivered a book that was equally funny and sexy, but what I was not expecting was the emotional depth of the story and it’s cast of characters. I always love the banter and camaraderie between her characters in all of her books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Skyscape for a copy of Rachel Van Dyken's "Kickin' It" in exchange of an honest review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Netgalley. This is the second book of the Red Card series. It is a standalone but you are missing out if you don't read all of this series.
Parker has a dark history and for that reason she doesn't trust anyone. Especially guys of power. She is an up and coming soccer star and just needs to find the right agent. One she can trust.
Matt can't get his sister's best friend off of his mind. There is something about her that draws to him. Something hidden in those sad eyes. Can he be more than just her agent/coach?
I love this series and definitely can't wait for Jagger's book! 5+ ⭐

Kickin' it is a sports game romance about an agent and his newly signed client. It's fun, sexy, angsty and a little dramatic. The plot is captivating with a few secrets and suspense. It's well written and it balances out the emotional part with the funny one. The characters are great in this book as well and their stories are quite surprising. Also, it contains a very important social message. My favorite parts were the whistle moments and the scene between Jagger and Matt. It can be read as a standalone but I would suggest reading the first as well for better understanding the characters. I highly recommend this and I will rate it with 4.5 stars.

THIS FREAKIN' SERIES! I am here for it! Seriously, I love the explosive attraction between characters. Rachel Van Dyken does a wonderful job of creating characters with such realistic depth. They've been through experiences that make them relatable, and just add to their connections. When Matt was introduced in the first book, Risky Play, I fell in love with the dynamic between him, Slade, and Jagger. They are his clients, but also his friends, and they all mess around with each other is the best way. I was pretty excited to get his story in this book. I wasn't expecting his love interest to be so amazing. Parker is determined, smart, and coping in the aftermath of trauma.

I couldn't put this book down. They both have their reasons to hold back, which makes the journey to each other that much better. It's almost like an enemies to lovers story with how hard they go at each other in the beginning. But I think my favorite part is witnessing Matt's fall through all of his actions along the way. I sincerely recommend this series!!!

We first meet Matt in Risky Play. I loved his character. Then add in Parker and you have a hit on your hands. Or a kick, if you will ;) Strong, intriguing characters and storyline. Kept my interest from beginning to end. Would definitely recommend.

4 Stars

I loved Matt and Parker’s story!!

Matt is a top sports agent, he is concentrating on his career and has no time for anyone but his sister and his clients who happen to be his best friends.

Parker has not has the easiest year, she keeps her secrets from everyone but when she meets Matt things start to come out that she doesn’t want to.

Can Matt help Parker beat her demons and get the career she has always dreamed of?

Kickin’ It is a fun, wild, novel about a struggling female football player and an uber rich and successful sports agent that mixes forbidden love with a huge hit of sports romance.

Matt Kingston doesn’t want to help Parker, he doesn’t want to be drawn to her, her gorgeous looks, her crazy talent, or her broken spirit. But he is. Parker doesn’t want to fall for Matt and his charms as she knows all too well what can happen when you relinquish that kind of power to a superior.

Kickin’ It is full of crazy energy and loads of drama. Parker is pretty clearly absolutely broken by past trauma which is apparent from the beginning. They both struggle for a long time with their growing feelings and the result is a hell of a lot of angst. If that’s your jam, you’ll love Kickin’ It. They’re loud, and surrounded by just as loud crazy friends making for a wild and high emotion ride, is it hate, is it love, is it both?

Unfortunately for me angst isn’t totally my jam so whilst I enjoyed the story I did find the craziness a bit hard to deal with by the end of the book. Matt and Parker were pretty level with each other most of the time which was great and enjoyable to read, but when things kicked off (especially as they were getting to know each other) they kicked off. For this reason the side characters also felt pretty one dimensionally crazy loud annoying trope characters for me so that distracted from the main story in my case.

Matt also took so long to clue into the fact that Parker was clearly suffering from a recent traumatic experience and it left me feeling like he was a bit blinded by her looks. Though when he worked it out he was so sweet.

Things came together with both Matt and Parker fighting for each others, happiness and dreams and I loved the resolution to their wild ride of a story.

If you’re one for angst, then high recommendation and even if you aren’t like me I’d still give it a shot! - nice soccer pun for the end there ;).

4.5 Stars for Kickin’ It book 2 in the Red Card Series of stand-alone sports romances.
Matt Kingston successful, high profile sports agent who things he can handle anything well that was before Parker Speedman arrives on his doorstep carrying cookies......
Parker is friends with Matt’s sister Willow and she is in desperate need of a friend as well as a sports agent. She is young and talented so why are all the woman’s soccer teams having to bribed to consider letting her try out for them........
Matt is convinced to take on Parker by his sister who also manages to convince him into letting her move in with them, that was the first mistake agreeing to let this gorgeous woman live under the same roof maybe training her daily will burn off all this sexual tension and that was the second mistake. Parker should be off limits she is my client and my little sisters best friend.............
The banter between all of the characters have me laughing out loud, the chemistry is sizzling, the hero is swoon worthy and the heroine is a sassy strong woman who is also vulnerable once you get to know her. Kickin’ It has the perfect mix of love, passion, humour and secrets and I’m sure it’s a book any romance lover will want to read.

Rachel Van Dyken continues her Red Card series with Kickin’ It, this time turning her attention to Matt Kingston, doting big brother, former professional soccer player, currently the best sports agent in America.

When his sister unexpectedly moves in with her best friend, he never expected he’d also become Parker Speedman’s agent, coach, and mentor. Which shouldn’t be a problem since she is incredibly talented. But she’s also too young, too beautiful and too angry. Besides being his client, Matt knows Parker is vulnerable, won’t trust easily and has had a rough year. Crossing lines is off limits for both of them, but the attraction between is just too powerful to ignore.

As is with all of the Rachel Van Dyken books I’ve read so far, Kickin’ It was a fun and gratifying read with a wonderful mix of sizzling chemistry that fuels the back and forth between the characters, poignant instances in which the reader can sympathize with the heroine, and emotional moments that move the romance forward. I enjoyed this witty, steamy story very much and can’t wait to read more.

Both Matt and Parker are wonderful characters. I loved how even though they were attracted from the moment the laid eyes on each other Matt refused to let her down and was genuinely concerned about her wellbeing in thus fought their attraction tooth and nail which was fun to experience. Parker was resilient and strong and she loved to push Matt’s buttons. Together they made an unlikely but perfect couple.

Adding another delightful layer to the story are the secondary characters, in particular Matt’s little sister and Jagger one of his clients who I hope get their own book or novella. They added hilarity while helping Matt and Parker’s romance move in the right direction.

Kickin’ It is book #2 of the Red Card series by Rachel Van Dyken. It is a sweet, fun and sexy forbidden, sports romance told from both points of view, and has a happy ending.

Amazing book! I so appreciated that the lead female protagonist, Parker Speedman, is a badd ass soccer player and professional athlete. This is a refreshing career., She gets dealt a bad hand and is treated horribly by a former coach but she doesn't let it stop her from living her best life, moving on, and fining love. Besides the swoony romance that has high and low places, this book is very funny and the dialogue is sharp. I love that Van Dyken brings back the characters from the first book in the Red Card series. I am excited to see more developments in these characters' lives. One note, is that some parts felt like insta live. The lead male protagonist, Matt Kingston, who is her sports agent, kind of treats Parker like a special snowflake and that there is no other woman like her, and I don't find this viewpoint particularly realistic or enthralling. Especially since he has no major relationship before her. Other than that, this book soars like a soccer ball and delivers all the feels to the goal!

I loved this story. Parker grew so much when she opened up. Watching her story unfold and her courage grow was inspiring. Matt was the best person to guide her through what was going on. It helped that Jagger understood and was on her side. The chemistry and banter between Matt and Parker was hot. Such a great story about growth and having the courage to do the right thing.

This was a great sports romance! Usually the guy is the athlete and the girl does something else, so I loved that Parker was the soccer player and Matt was her agent. There was also a darker plot dealing with authorities in the sports world, coaches, doctors, etc. abusing girl athletes and the need to stand up and say something.
I really enjoyed reading this and it flew by. Parker and Matt had good chemistry and watching them dance around each other was fun. The side characters were great too, especially Willow and Jagger. I definitely need to read the first one and I hope there will be more books in the series!

*5 Stars*

ARC kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have yet to read an RVD book that I didn't like. I sped through this one so fast, and I loved every second of it. Parker and Matt are awesome main characters, and I really liked getting to know them.

Parker has been through some things in her past that no woman should have to experience, and once she finally lets it out, to Matt of all people, who she hates at the start, things start to progress and she starts making some headway.

Matt himself is a pretty serious character, but with Parker he shows all his different sides. He's pretty damn sweet, and Parker is one lucky girl to have him. And I should say, Willow is too, to have him as her brother.

Willow is a pretty funny secondary character, and Jagger and Slade are back too which makes for some funny moments all around.

I loved how RVD wrote this, and how she dealt with everything that was happening and had happened in the past. She tackles the issues really well, and still manages to keep it as a fun and unputdownable romance. Can't wait to see whats next.


** Will post on Amazon on release day**

Matt and Parker deliver a sexy, compelling and fun road to love. Matt is agent extraordinaire and Parker is in desperate need of his kind of help to repair her reputation and get signed with a soccer team. When Matt’s little sister calls and needs a place to stay, he never expects Parker to be part of the deal. From their first meeting, the sparks and snark fly showing that these two definitely have the chemistry. But Matt is all professional as he does decide to help Parker as he sees her true passion for the sport. Parker is battling many demons as she tries to cope with all the challenges of the past year. She shows amazing strength and true grit as she pushes through to ensure her dream doesn’t fade away. I was very surprised with the timeliness of this story with today’s issues and felt every heart-breaking moment Parker endured. I loved how well this issue was delivered and handled, allowing me to feel all the pain that someone might ensure in a similar situation. But most of all, I love how Parker, someone who has been alone for so long has found a family to support her. It started with one amazing friend, Willow, Matt’s younger sister, shoe shopper extraordinaire and soon to be amazing agent in her own right, I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

Everyone has their secrets, even if it is just hiding how you truly feel about someone. Kickin' It explores the discovery of finding your strength in yourself and where it can take you.
Romance novels with a message, you can't go wrong with this book. Another amazing book, by Rachel Van Dyken. Someday I would love to be in a room with some of her characters!

Matt Kingston is a Sports Agent and Parker Speedman is his sisters’ best friend. They are both coming to stay with him while Willow, Matt’s sister, comes to learn the ropes of being an Agent. Parker is hopeful for several reasons: she needs Matt to be her Agent and get a tryout with the local women’s soccer team.

Parker has been through a lot and even punched her coach in the face on National Television, I loved this! She’s very strong, yet tends to hide her emotions and feelings from everyone. She puts her heart and soul into playing soccer, which makes me cheer her on since she’s trying to accomplish her dreams.

Matt is a dream. Their interactions were hilarious and meaningful. I really enjoyed how they pushed each other’s buttons. He tries to keep her at arms length, but when he gives in, the sparks really fly.

Another great hit from Rachel Van Dyken! With several of the secondary characters trying to steal your attention, it just makes you love Matt and Parker that much more.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and I am happy to give my honest review.

This isn’t my first RVD book but her writing style isn’t my favorite. It’s short, staccato type paragraphs that feel a little shallow to me. But I requested this book because I love sports romances, her books are always funny, and I was intrigued by the athlete being a female.

Parker has had some trauma which I feel deserves a trigger warning for sexual assault, rape and physical violence. She graduated college, leaving her old soccer team, with no real prospects for going pro due to an altercation with her old coach. Her best friend Willow has her move to Seattle into her brother Matt’s house and chaos ensues.

Matt is a former pro athlete and now sports agent. He doesn’t want to take Parker on because she’s prickly and emotional. He doesn’t know about her trauma until he forces a sports physical on her and she pops positive on anti-anxiety meds. He literally hollers at her until she admits why she needs the drugs. Then he turns nice as can be and they fall in love, living happily ever after. Kind of.

The ending is a bit far fetched. It was a tidy way to see retribution for her assaulter. I did love their banter and they totally had chemistry. RVD’s writing always feels kind of wacky, with a lot of hijinks and inside jokes, which can be hard to follow the actual plot. Overall this was an entertaining read and one I’d recommend if you’re looking for good romcom.

4.5☆
I wasn't expecting the emotional kick this story would have. Parker has such depth to her and her background made her so much more interesting and just wanting her to succeed so bad. I love that Matt is able to offer her strength to do what she can, but not do it for her. I loved the slow build up they have through out and I just love the way especially Matt cares for her. I loved how Parker's story was cared for and I loved the development of her character. Their storyline was fantastic. I also love Jagger and Willow's thing they have going on and what both added to the story. Such a great read!!

Rachel Van Dyken held no punches (or should I say kicks) in this book. Kickin' It is number 2 in this series by its already #1 in my mind. It's hard not to fan girl when you see faces from the past and other stories visiting. I absolutely squealed at the realization of who was in this book. Some surprising new faces I hope we learn a lot more about in the future too!

Crazed screaming aside, Kickin' It has everything in its pages. complete with:
* A tension filled, list swirling relationship.
* A secret that crushes its owner.
* A big brother with protector complex.
* A sexy vixen with a mouthy attitude and quick wit.
* A best friend more than worth her weight in gold.
* Real men. Not those cowards who pretend to be men.

Sorry my mouthy attitude is starting to come out! Rachel Van Dyken takes a sensitive subjects and nails it's balls to the wall in a totally badass way. She shines a light on a topic that, while it gets its own sound bites, can't be said enough. I want to make her a tiara for her words and the way she makes a heroine into a hero.

Parker is a badass. She's mouthy, stubborn and the kind of girl you want in your corner. She just needs the right people in hers. Kicking' It gives her and the reader that and more.

Hard to put down and was hooked from the very beginning. This kinda had an insta-attraction, but they both kept that feeling hidden. It also kinda had a enemies to lovers vibe, though they weren't exactly enemies. Plenty of sexual tension. Some laughs (mostly due to the side characters shenanigans.) There is some angst, and while you just get some glimpses into it, there is a bit of darkness surrounding her. While that secret darkness is slowly revealed, it isn't exposed entirely until the end. (And may be a trigger for some readers.) The characters themselves are fun. Once they acknowledge their attraction, he does everything in his power to push it away. She is forbidden after all. While she has her weakness, she is a strong character and ready to fight for her dreams. The side characters are hilarious. This is book two if the series, but reads as a stand alone. Same world, different couple, so you'll recognize many of the characters. There is some sexual content, but it isn't the core of the book, and limited in it's action.

*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.